Mini Zipper Pouch Key Chain Sewing Tutorial
The mini zipper pouch key chain is a quick and easy sewing project, perfect for using up those fabric scraps.
Mini zipper pouch key chains are the perfect sewing project for using up those fabric scraps. Use this little zipper pouch as a key chain or hook it to your purse, tote bag or backpack. The mini zipper pouch is just the right size to hold lip balm and some extra cash for when you’re on the go.
Let’s get started with the mini zipper pouch key chain sewing tutorial!
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***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 14 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures and templates. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Mini zipper pouch key chain sewing supplies needed:
- Scrap cotton fabric – two outer fabric 4.5 x 3″, two lining fabric pieces 4.5″ x 3″, and one lining fabric piece 4″ x 3″ – my favorite fabric shop
- Cutting mat
- Rotary cutter
- Clear ruler
- Fusible interfacing – Pellon 911FF Fusible Interfacing
- 1 inch D-ring
- 3-inch zipper
- Matching thread
- Sewing scissors
- Sewing machine
Using your cutting mat, clear ruler, and rotary cutter, cut two pieces of the mini pouch key chain outer fabric and two pieces of the lining fabric measuring 4.5 inches by 3 inches. For the short strap, cut one piece of the lining fabric measuring 4 inches by 3 inches.
Keep track of your sewing projects, like this one, with a sewing planner. This sewing planner is specifically designed for non-clothing sewing projects and helps you stay organized – fabric used, measurements, hardware used, notes, etc. Also included are pages such as sewing tips and fabric shops. Get your sewing planner HERE.
Attach the fusible interfacing
My favorite fusible interfacing is Pellon 911FF Fusible Interfacing. It’s my go to for all my handbags and accessories sewing projects.
Cut four pieces of the fusible interfacing measuring 4.5 inches by 3 inches for the mini pouch key chain outer and lining fabric pieces. Cut one piece of fusible interfacing measuring 4 inches by 3 inches for the short strap.
Follow the package instructions for attaching the interfacing to the fabric.
Make the zipper pouch short strap
Place the short strap right side down on your ironing board.
Fold the strap in half lengthwise, short sides together, and press along the fold.
Open back up and fold the outside edge to the center and press.
Turn the strap around and fold the other outside edge to the center and press.
Fold in half again and press.
Sew the strap along the folded edges.
The finished strap is 1 inch wide.
Rule of thumb: the width of the finished strap will be the width of the cut fabric divided by 4. For example, if you want your finished strap to be 2 inches wide, you’ll need to cut your fabric 8 inches wide.
The strap will be added after the zipper is attached.
***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 14 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures and templates. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
Add the zipper
I’m using a 3-inch zipper for this mini pouch key chain. The zipper is measured from the top metal stop to the bottom metal stop.
Rule of thumb: the width of your fabric should be 1.5 inches wider than the length of your zipper.
If you have a zipper that is too long, follow these instructions to shorten your zipper.
Place your zipper face down on one piece of the outer fabric. Pin to hold in place.
Then place one of your zipper pouch lining pieces on top of the zipper. Pin in place. The zipper should be face down, sandwiched between the outer fabric piece and lining fabric piece right sides together.
Sew the zipper
Be sure the upper thread matches the outer fabric and the bobbin thread matches the lining fabric.
Before sewing the zipper, open the zipper up about an inch – this will help with a smooth line of sewing.
Use your zipper foot for sewing the zipper. Begin sewing the zipper, then when you get to the place almost to the zipper pull, with the needle down, lift the zipper foot and move the zipper pull back to the top. Then lower the foot and continue sewing.
Top stitch along the zipper – be sure the corners and edges are lined up. This gives the mini zipper pouch a finished look and keeps the fabric from getting caught in the zipper.
You now have one side of your mini pouch zipper finished!
Repeat with the other fabric pieces
Now you’re going to repeat the same process to sew the other side of the mini pouch zipper.
Place the zipper on top of the other lining fabric piece – lining fabrics right sides together. Pin to hold in place.
Place the other outer fabric piece on top of the zipper – outer fabric pieces right sides together.
Sew the zipper – repeating the same process of opening and closing the zipper to sew a smooth line.
Top stitch alongside the zipper.
The above picture shows what your mini zipper pouch key chain should look like at this point.
Attach the short strap
The process of attaching the short strap is similar to attaching the short strap in our wristlet tutorial.
Slide the short strap through the D ring and fold over.
Place the strap on the front of the mini pouch with the D ring facing in.
Baste the strap to the front of the zipper pouch. Be sure you are only basting to the front outer piece of the mini pouch and not the lining fabric piece.
Time to sew together
Open the zipper to about halfway. Opening the zipper helps with turning the pouch right side out.
Fold the zipper pouch so the outer fabric pieces are right sides together and the lining pieces are right sides together.
Pinch the zipper so the teeth are facing towards the lining of the pouch and pin in place.
Sew around the perimeter of the mini pouch key chain, going over the strap a couple times for extra durability. Leave an opening at the bottom of the lining fabric for turning. Then zigzag stitch around to keep the fabric from fraying.
Clip all four corners and the excess short strap using your sewing scissors.
Turn right side out
Through the bottom opening, reach inside and open the zipper all the way then turn right side out. Push out the corners and press the opening.
Straight stitch to close the opening. Push the lining fabric inside the pouch and press.
***You can find the ad-free, printable PDF version of this sewing tutorial available for purchase HERE. Includes 14 pages of step-by-step instructions with pictures and templates. Print a copy to keep next to your sewing machine for easy reference.***
You are finished!
I hope you’ve enjoyed the sewing tutorial for the mini zipper pouch key chain! Attach the pouch to your keys and off you go! Happy sewing!
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